1984 Ford Escort XR3i

Registration: A534BKU

Chassis:

ED75404 Odometer: 36,700 km

Transmission:

Manual MOT: February 2027

Original book pack

Stainless steel exhaust

Credible and believable 36,000 recorded kilometres

Superb cabin

Complete with NOVA

Driven 50 miles to our saleroom

The Mk3 Ford Escort XR3i, introduced in 1982 by Ford Motor Company, marked a significant step in the evolution of the Escort range, combining the practical front-wheel-drive layout of the third-generation Escort with sporty styling and improved performance. Replacing the earlier carburetted XR3, the XR3i featured fuel injection - hence the ‘i’ - which boosted power output and drivability, helping it compete with the growing hot hatch segment. Over time, the Mk3 XR3i gained popularity across Europe, particularly in the UK, where it became an icon of 1980s car culture before eventually being succeeded by later Escort performance models like the RS Turbo.

We are delighted to offer this 1984 Ford XR3i in white with grey interior. First registered in August 1984 in South Africa, we have the original purchase invoice showing that it was optioned with a sunroof and tinted glass. There is plenty of paperwork from its time in South Africa and, whilst we cannot say for sure, it does appear to have only had a couple of owners there - Mr Cross from ’84 to ’07 and then Mr Edwards from ‘07 to ’22. It was then exported to the UK in 2023 where it has had only one registered keeper. We have the all-important NOVA letter to confirm all taxes were paid on import. There is a bundle of invoices for parts and maintenance which shows it received a re-cored radiator, belts and a new water pump in 2020 and a replacement steering rack in 2021. Although now exempt, it has a long, advisory-free MOT.

From the outside, this XR3i is everything you would expect from a Ford hot hatch - body-coloured bumpers, front lip, rubber rear spoiler, spotlights and a wonderfully period side stripe. There are some blemishes and touch-ups to the paint but it still presents nicely for a 40 year old. The iconic ‘cloverleaf’ alloys look to have been recently refurbished and are shod in matching Continental tyres. South African examples can often suffer from sun-exposure with cracked dashboards and faded fabrics but this example has none of that. The seats look unbelievably fresh and the dash has only the tiniest of cracks. Save for an upgraded stereo, everything looks original and unmodified. The boot is clean and the parcel shelf is present and fitted with the almost obligatory aftermarket speakers.

The XR3i comes with V5C, some old MOTs, import documentation / NOVA, some South African registration documents and full book pack.

One of the most intriguing things about this XR3i is the 36,000 kilometres recorded on the odometer. It’s impossible for us to warrant mileages, especially with an example that has spent most of its life abroad, but often there are clues that make the figure seem credible and believable. In this case, we found a charming little notebook in the glovebox which purports to record each trip - date, kms travelled, total kms etc. Incredibly, this appears to cover virtually its entire life, from 3,749 km to 36,228 km! Now this may not be genuine but when combined with the time-warp interior, it’s quite possible that it is. Why not take a closer look and make your own mind up? We doubt you will be disappointed.